Presidential Office Denies Involvement in Liberation Association Budget; Expresses Regret Toward President Lee Jongchan

Presidential Office, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

The Presidential Office has refuted the claim made by Lee Jongchan, President of the Liberation Association, that the National Security Office exerted pressure to cut the association's budget, stating that "this is completely untrue."

On January 23, the Presidential Office announced to the media, "The National Security Office has provided the following information," and clarified, "The National Security Office was not involved in any way in the process of formulating the 2025 government budget proposal related to the Liberation Association by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs."

The Presidential Office further explained, "For example, in the case of the 'Liberation Association Academic Research Budget,' we understand that it was not allocated during the 2025 government budget proposal discussions between the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, taking into account the 2024 budget execution results and performance. We also understand that the relevant budget was ultimately included during the National Assembly's review process."

The office added, "We express our regret toward the president of the Liberation Association for causing controversy with unverified statements regarding the National Security Office at a time when the public is facing many difficulties due to the political turmoil surrounding the impeachment."

Earlier that day, President Lee stated in a media interview, "Because we criticized the New Right historical perspective, I heard that they influenced President Yoon Suk-yeol to have then-Chief of Presidential Security Kim Yonghyun apply pressure through the National Security Office to cut the Liberation Association's budget."

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